Humanitarian policy and partnerships

Why we give aid

Natural disasters, conflict, and economic shocks (such as food and fuel price spikes) severely undermine growth, reverse hard-won development gains and increase poverty and insecurity. Women are often also at heightened risk of violence during crises.

How we give humanitarian assistance

DFAT's Humanitarian Strategy provides the framework for Australia's humanitarian action, which is designed to save lives, alleviate suffering and maintain human dignity during and in the aftermath of conflict, disasters and other humanitarian crises, as well as to prevent and strengthen preparedness for the occurrence of such situations.

The Australian Government can respond to simultaneous disasters, and often combines Australian personnel and expertise with that of our partners such as United Nations agencies, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and non-government organisations.

DFAT, in coordination with other relevant Australian Government agencies, monitors the performance of the humanitarian aid program to maximize outcomes. This assessment, and the identification of lessons learned, is informed by findings of evaluations of humanitarian investments commissioned by DFAT or partners. At least two evaluations of humanitarian programming focusing on high priority issues are undertaken each year in accordance with DFAT's Aid Evaluation Policy. These evaluations and management responses are available on the humanitarian evaluation page.